In vivo study of liposome-modified polyetheretherketone implant on bacteriostasis and osseointegration / 北京大学学报(医学版)

OBJECTIVE@#To develop dexamethasone plus minocycline-loaded liposomes (Dex/Mino liposomes) and apply them to improve bioinert polyetheretherketone (PEEK) surface, which could prevent post-operative bacterial contamination, enhance ossification for physiologic osseointegration, and finally reduce implant failure rates.@*METHODS@#Dex/Mino liposomes were covalently grafted onto the PEEK surface using polydopamine (pDA) coating as a medium. Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to confirm the binding of fluorescently labeled liposomes onto the PEEK substrate, and a microplate reader was used to semiquantitatively measure the average fluorescence intensity of fluorescently labeled liposome-decorated PEEK surfaces. Moreover, the mouse subcutaneous infection model and the beagle femur implantation model were respectively conducted to verify the bioactivity of Dex/Mino liposome-modified PEEK in vivo, by means of micro computed tomography (micro-CT) and hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining analysis.@*RESULTS@#The qualitative and quantitative results of fluorescently labeled liposomes showed that, the red fluorescence intensity of the PEEK-pDA-lipo group was stronger than that of the PEEK-NF-lipo group (P < 0.05); the liposomes were successfully and uniformly decorated on the PEEK surfaces due to the pDA coating. After mouse subcutaneous implantation of PEEKs for 24 hours, HE staining results showed that the number of inflammatory cells in the PEEK-Dex/Mino lipo group were lower than that in the inert PEEK group (P < 0.05), indicating a lower degree of infection in the test group. These results suggested that the Mino released from the liposome-functionalized surface provided an effective bacteriostasis in vivo. After beagle femoral implantation of PEEK for 8 weeks, micro-CT results showed that the PEEK-Dex/Mino lipo group newly formed more continuous bone when compared with the inert PEEK group; HE staining results showed that more new bones were formed in the PEEK-Dex/Mino lipo group than in the inert PEEK group, which were firmly bonded to the functionalized PEEK surface and extended along the PEEK interface. These results suggested that the Dex released from the liposome-functionalized surface induced effective bone regeneration in vivo.@*CONCLUSION@#Dex/Mino liposome modification enhanced the bioactivity of inert PEEK, the functionalized PEEK with enhanced antibacterial and osseointegrative capacity has great potential as an orthopedic/dental implant material for clinical application.

Clinical Characteristics of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with RUNX1 Gene Mutation / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the incidence of Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) gene and its associated gene mutations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and analyze its clinical characteristics and prognosis.@*METHODS@#The genomic DNA-PCR method was used to detect the exon of RUNX1 gene, and the gene mutations were analyzed by genetic sequencing. NPM1, DNMT3A, FLT3-ITD, IDH1/2, K/N-RAS, CEPBA, TET2, and WT1 co-mutations were also detected. Patients were followed up to determine efficacy and prognosis.@*RESULTS@#Among 171 patients, the RUNX1 gene mutation was detected in 17 cases, and the mutation rate was 9.9%. The type of RUNX1 gene mutation was 9 missense mutations, 4 frameshift mutations, and 4 nonsense mutations. The peripheral blood leukocyte count of the patients in mutation group was 3 (1-101) ×10@*CONCLUSION@#AML patients with RUNX1 gene mutation shows unique clinical and biological characteristics, RUNX1 mutation can be regarded as a molecular marker of poor prognosis in AML patients.

Retrospective high-resolution CT analysis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis / 中国医师进修杂志

Objective To investigate the high-resolution CT (HRCT) imaging characteristics of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) to improve the diagnostic accuracy.Methods The clinical data of 21 patients with ABPA diagnosed in Dalian Second People's Hospital and Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from January 2010 to June 2018 were retrospectively analyzed,and their clinical manifestations and HRCT examinations were statistically analyzed to summarize the HRCT imaging manifestations.Results Among the 21 patients,cough,expectoration and wheezing were the main clinical symptoms,followed by fever and hemoptysis;5 patients had a history of drug or food allergy.ABPA showed 18 cases of central bronchiectasis on HRCT,including 10 cases of simple bronchiectasis,9 cases with low-attenuation mucus,and 6 cases with high-attenuation mucus;patchy consolidation infiltration were seen in 11 cases;masses were seen in 2 cases;central nodules and tree buds were seen in 3 cases;mediastinal lymph nodes were enlarged in 6 cases.Conclusions HRCT imaging of ABPA is difficult to diagnose,and central bronchiectasis with high-attenuation mucus is characteristic.It can be used as a reliable basis for the diagnosis of ABPA imaging.Combined with clinical and laboratory examinations,it can generally be diagnosed clearly.

Correlation of the Expression Alteration of Tim-3 with the T Cell and B Cell Dysfunction in Peripheral Blood of Multiple Myeloma Patients / 中国实验血液学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the correlation of the expression alteration of Tim-3 with the T cell and B cell dysfunction in peripheral blood of multiple myeloma (MM) patients.@*METHODS@#30 patients diagnosed as MM from October 2016 to October 2018 were selected and enrolled in MM group, and 30 healthy persons whose sex and age was matched with the MM patients were selected and enrolled in healthy control group (HC). The blood samples from MM patients and HC were collected, and the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNC) were separated by density gradient centrifugation, then the serum was kept for further study. The ratios of CD3CD4Tim-3T cells, CD3CD8Tim-3T cells and the CD19+CD20-CD38+B cells were analysed by flow cytometry (FCM)，and the concentration of T cell-related cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-αand B cell-related antibodies IgA, IgM and IgG were measured by ELISA. At the same time, the differences of the ratios of CCD3CD4Tim-3T, CD3CD8Tim-3T cells and plasmablast and the concentration of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IgA, IgM and IgG between the MM patient and HC were estimated, and the correlation of the ratio of CD3CD4Tim-3T, CD3CD8Tim-3T cells with the ratio of plasmablast and the concentration of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IgA, IgM and IgG in MM patients were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#The ratio of CD3CD4Tim-3T, CD3CD8Tim-3T cells increased in MM patients, while the ratio of CD19+CD20- CD38+B cells and the concentration of IFN-γ, TNF-α, IgA, IgM and IgG decreased in MM patients. And there was a negative correlation of the ratio of CD3CD4Tim-3T cells with CD19+CD20-CD38+B cells and the concentration of IFN-γ, IgA, IgM and IgG in MM patients, while the ratio of CD3CD8Tim-3T cells just negatively correlated with the concentration of TNF-α.@*CONCLUSION@#Expression of Tim-3 on CD4 and CD8 cells elevates in the peripheral blood of MM patients, which also correlates with the function suppression of T and B cells.

Synthesis，Characterization and Anti-tumor Effect Evaluation of Novel Ampelopsin Derivative Poly （γ-glutamic Acid）-ampelopsin Conjugate / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE：To desig n and sy nthesize poly （γ-glutamic acid ）-ampelopsin（γ-PGA-AMP），and to characterize it and evaluate its anti-tumor activity in vitro . METHODS ：Synthetic product was produced through an esterification reaction between γ-PGA and ampelopsin. The structure of synthetic product was characterized by the UV spectrophotometry ，Fourier transform infrared（FT-IR）spectroscopy，1H-NMR spectra and the quantitative elemental analysis. The content of ampelopsin in synthetic product was determined by UV absorption spectrometry at 292 nm. Using 5-FU as positive control ，MTT assay was used to determine inhibitory effects of γ-PGA-AMP and ampelopsin on human breast cancer cell MCF- 7，human liver cancer cell HepG 2 and human lung cancer cell A 549. The IC 50 was calculated. RESULTS ：The results showed that the free 7-hydroxyl group of ampelopsin and the a-carboxyl group of γ-polyglutamic acid had been esterified to obtain γ-PGA-AMP；the yield of γ-PGA-AMP was 55.7％，and the content of ampelopsin was 32.3％. The inhibitory effect of γ-PGA-AMP and ampelopsin on MCF- 7，HepG2 and A 549 cells was obvious. IC 50 of γ-PGA-AMP（to 3 above tumor cells ）were 40.19，28.29 and 55.23 μg/mL，those of ampelopsin were 105.30，81.23，130.10 μg/mL，those of 5-FU were 24.72，87.98，30.99 μg/mL，respectively. CONCLUSIONS ：γ-PGA-AMP with anti-tumor effect in vitro is synthesized successfully ，and its anti-tumor effect is stronger than that of ampelopsin.

Cardiac magnetic resonance for assessment of cardiac structure and function after renal transplantation in patients with end-stage renal disease / 医学研究生学报

Objective Few clinical studies have been reported on the reversibility of uremic cardiomyopathy (UC) after renal transplantation. This article aimed to investigate the cardiac structure and function of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing renal transplantation using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR). Methods This study included 38 ESRD patients undergoing renal transplantation in the National Clinical Research Center for Kidney Diseases, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, from September 2015 to February 2017. All the patients received initial CMR examination at 1－2 days before renal transplantation and during the postoperative follow-up. At the median follow-up time of 3.5 (3.4-3.7), 7.0 (3.7-9.5) and 8.4 (7.1-12.7) months, we recorded the CMR parameters, including the left ventricular end-diastolic volume (LVEDV), end-systolic volume (LVESV), end-diastolic mass (LVEDM), end-systolic mass (LVESM), ejection fraction (LVEF), and native myocardial T1 relaxation time, and compared the parameters obtained before and after surgery. Results Twenty-five of the patients completed the postoperative follow-up, who averaged 27.5 years of age, with no history of diabetes mellitus or ischemic heart disease, and treated by dialysis for 1.7 (1.5-2.2) years. At 7.0 months after renal transplantation, as compared with the baseline, the patients showed significant decreases in the LVEDV ([96.7 ± 22.8] vs [83.4 ± 17.4] mL/m², P < 0.05), LVESV ([44.3 ± 14.8] vs [33.0 ± 10.9] mL/m², P < 0.05) and LVEDM ([67.1 ± 24.2] vs [59.0 ± 17.0] mL/m², P < 0.05), but an increase in the LVEF ([54.1 ± 10.6] % vs [60.9 ± 9.6] %, P < 0.01). The LVEDV and LVESV were also remarkably lower at 3.5 and 8.4 months than the baseline (P < 0.001), and so were the left ventricular at basal, mid, apical and global native T1 relaxation times at 3.5, 7.0 and 8.4 months (P < 0.05). Conclusion For young ESRD patients with no history of diabetes mellitus or ischemic heart disease and on short-term dialysis, left ventricular dilatation, systolic dysfunction and diffuse myocardial fibrosis are reversible after renal transplantation. Native T1 relaxation time can be used as a sensitive indicator to evaluate the degree of diffuse myocardial fibrosis in ESRD patients.

The application value of time-zero renal biopsy in living donor kidney transplantation / 医学研究生学报

Objective Few studies have paid attention to time-zero renal biopsy in living kidney transplantation so far. This article aimed to investigate the risk factors of latent pathologic changes in living donors by time-zero renal biopsy (TO-RBx) and the predictive value in the allograft function of recipients early after living kidney transplantation.Methods We retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 89 renal transplant recipients and living donors who received TO-RBx at Nanjing General Hospital from January 2008 to December 2016. According to the 2007 Banff criteria, the common pathologic changes in living donors such as latent glomeruloscerosis (GS), tubular atrophy (CT), interstitial fibrosis (CI), arteriolar hyaline thickening (AH) and vascular fibrous intimal thickening (CV) were scored. To analyze the influencing factors for different pathological changes and evaluate its predictive value in the allograft function of recipients in 1, 3, 6 months after living renal transplantation.Results Of all the TO-RBx specimens, 23 cases (25.84%) with GS (21 were mild change, 1 was moderate change and 1 was severe change), 33 cases (37.08%) with CT/CI changes (30 were mild change and 3 were moderate change) and 37 cases (41.57%) with AH/CV changes (36 were mild change and 1 was moderate change). GS was related to the donor age (P=0.042); CT/CI changes were related to donor age, gender and systolic pressure (P=0.019；0.006；0.01); arterial changes were related to donor gender and blood triglyceride level (P=0.029；0.049). Within 3 and 6 months after living donor renal transplantation, the eGFR of renal transplant recipients with GS lesions \[(65.96±17.17), (69.52±19.1)mL/min·1.73m2\] were significantly lower than the groups without lesions \[(76.91±18.98), (79.52±18.91)mL/min·1.73m2\] (P＜0.05).Conclusion Time-zero renal biopsy has significance in terms of predicting the allograft function in 6 months after transplantation. It can guide the formulation and adjustment of postoperative immunosuppressive regimens for recipients. Besides, it can also detect the latent pathologic changes in living donors and is one of the important evidence for establishing a personalized follow-up plan for donors after surgery. This method is practical in clinical.

Effect of rosmarinic acid from Sarcandra glabra in inhibiting proliferation and migration and inducing apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells via regulation of expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax / 中国中药杂志

Rosmarinic acid is one of anti-tumor ingredients in the Sarcandra glabra. After treatment with 0, 10, 30, 90, 270 and 810 μmol·L⁻¹ rosmarinic acid for 24, 48, 72 hours respectively, the inhibitory effects on MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells were observed by CCK-8 and cell wound healing test. No significant inhibition effecton proliferation and migration was observed in MCF-7 cell. However, 90, 270 and 810 μmol·L⁻¹ rosmarinic acid could inhibit the proliferation and migration of MDA-MB-231 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner. Flow cytometry was further used to detect apoptosis ratios of MDA-MB-231 cells after Annexin V-FITC/PI staining, and significant apoptosis was observed after rosmarinic acid treatment. Real-time PCR and Western blot tests were carried out to detect the expressions of apoptosis-related genes. The down-regulation of the Bcl-2 expression and the up-regulation of the Bax expression were observed in MDA-MB-231 cells after rosmarinic acid treatment. The results suggested that rosmarinicacid can inhibit the proliferation and migration, and induce the apoptosis of MDA-MB-231 cells, which may be correlated with the down-regulation of Bcl-2 gene and the up-regulation of Bax gene.

Application value of frozen-thawed mouse round spermatids in in vitro fertilization / 中华男科学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the application value of the frozen-thawed round spermatids of the mouse in in vitro fertilization (IVF).@*METHODS@#Haploid spermatids of the mouse obtained in vitro were divided into a frozen-thawed and a fresh group and oocytes were collected from 6－8 weeks old female mice. After diamidino-phenyl-indole (DAPI) staining, the oocytes were subjected to intracytoplasmic round spermatid injection (ROSI), 259 in the frozen-thawed and 238 in the fresh group. Comparisons were made between the two groups in the capacities of fertilization and embryonic development.@*RESULTS@#The survival rate of the frozen-thawed haploid spermatids was (75.9 ± 2.3) %. No statistically significant differences were observed between the frozen-thawed and fresh groups after ROSI in the rates of fertilization (51.9 vs 55.7%, P >0.05), 2-cell embryos (51.0 vs 62.2%, P >0.05), 4－8-cell embryos (41.8 vs 42.9%, P >0.05), or morula-blastocysts (12.2 vs 21.4%, P >0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#Frozen-thawed round spermatids of the mouse are similar to fresh ones in their capacities of fertilization and embryonic development.

Expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 in clear cell renal cell carcinoma / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective To investigate the expression of CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) and its relationship with the clinical pathological parameters of ccRCC.Methods The expression of CXCR4 was detected by immuno-histochemistry method in 63 cases of ccRCCs,20 cases of para-carcinoma tissues and 20 cases of normal renal tissues.The correlation between expression level of CXCR4 and clinical pathological parameters of ccRCC patients were analyzed,and the clinical significance of its expression in ccRCC was evaluated.Results The positive expression rate of CXCR4(49.2％) in ccRCCs was significantly higher than that in para-carcinoma tissues (15％) and normal renal tissue (10％),and the difference was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).The expression level of CXCR4 and the clinical stage and pathological grade of ccRCC were correlated (P ＜ 0.05),and was associated with lymph node transfer (P ＜ 0.05).The CXCR4 negative group overall survival rate [55.2％ (16/29)] and the average survival time(46 months) was significantly better than the positive group [38.5％ (10/26),32 months;P ＜ 0.05].Conclusions The expression level of CXCR4 in ccRCC is correlated with the clinicopathological parameters and prognosis.CXCR4 is expected to be an important marker for diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of renal cell carcinoma.

Chemical constituents of Scurrula parasitica / 中国中药杂志

A new triterpenoid ester, 7β-hydroxyl-hop-22(29)-en-3β-O-palmitate (1), was isolated from the stems and leaves of Scurrula parasitica parasitic on Nerium indicum, along with nine known compounds, uvaol (2), 3-epi-ursolic acid (3), 3β-hydroxyl-hop-22(29)-ene (4), 3β, 15α-dihydroxyl-lup-20(29)-ene (5), lup-20(29)-en-3-O-α-D-glucoside (6), stigmasterol-3-O-β-D-glucoside (7), digitoxin-3-O-α-D-glucoside (8), behenic acid (9), octacosyl alcohol (10). Their structures were elucidated using a combination of 1D and 2D NMR techniques (COSY, HMQC, and HMBC) and HR-ESI-MS analyses. Compounds 2-10 were isolated from this plant for the first time.

Comparative Study between Robotic Total Thyroidectomy with Central Lymph Node Dissection via Bilateral Axillo-breast Approach and Conventional Open Procedure for Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>A large proportion of the patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma are young women. Therefore, minimally invasive endoscopic thyroidectomy with central neck dissection (CND) emerged and showed well-accepted results with improved cosmetic outcome, accelerated healing, and comforting the patients. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA), compared with conventional open procedure in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One-hundred patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma from March 2014 to January 2015 in Jinan Military General Hospital of People's Liberation Army (PLA) were randomly assigned to robotic group or conventional open approach group (n = 50 in each group). The total operative time, estimated intraoperative blood loss, numbers of lymph node removed, visual analog scale (VAS), postoperative hospital stay time, complications, and numerical scoring system (NSS, used to assess cosmetic effect) were analyzed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via BABA was successfully performed in robotic group. There were no conversion from the robotic surgeries to open or endoscopic surgery. The subclinical central lymph node metastasis rate was 35%. The mean operative time of the robotic group was longer than that of the conventional open approach group (118.8 ± 16.5 min vs. 90.7 ± 10.3 min, P < 0.05). The study showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of the VASs (2.1 ± 1.0 vs. 3.8 ± 1.2, P < 0.05) and NSS (8.9 ± 0.8 vs. 4.8 ± 1.7, P < 0.05). The differences between the two groups in the estimated intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay time, numbers of lymph node removed, postoperative thyroglobulin levels, and complications were not statistically significant (all P > 0.05). Neither iatrogenic implantation nor metastasis occurred in punctured porous channel or chest wall in both groups. Postoperative cosmetic results were very satisfactory in the robotic group.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Robotic total thyroidectomy with CND via BABA is safe and effective for Chinese patients with papillary thyroid microcarcinoma who worry about the neck scars.</p>

Effect of Cordyceps sinensis powder on renal oxidative stress and mitochondria functions in 5/6 nephrectomized rats / 中国中西医结合杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To observe the effect of Cordyceps sinensis (CS) powder on renal oxidative stress and mitochondria functions in 5/6 nephrectomized rats, and to primarily explore its possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Totally 30 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the sham-operation group, the model group, and the treatment group by random digit table, 10 in each group. A chronic kidney disease (CKD) rat model was prepared by one step 5/6 nephrectomy. Rats in the treatment group were intragastrically administered with CS powder solution at the daily dose of 2 g/kg, once per day. Equal volume of double distilled water was intragastrically administered to rats in the sham-operation group and the model group. All medication lasted for 12 weeks. The general condition of rats, their body weight, blood pressure, 24 h proteinuria, urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG), serum creatinine (SCr) , and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were assessed before surgery, at week 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 10 after surgery. Pathological changes of renal tissues were observed under light microscope. Morphological changes of mitochondria in renal tubular epithelial cells were observed under transmission electron microscope. Activities of antioxidant enzymes including reduced glutathione (GSH), manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) in fresh renal tissue homogenate were detected. Mitochondria of renal tissues were extracted to detect levels of mitochondrial membrane potential and changes of reactive oxygen species (ROS). And expressions of cytochrome-C (Cyto-C) and prohibitin in both mitochondria and cytoplasm of the renal cortex were also measured by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>(1) Compared with the sham-operation group, body weight was significantly decreased at week 2 (P <0. 01), but blood pressure increased at week 4 (P <0. 05) in the model group. Compared with the model group, body weight was significantly increased at week 12 (P <0. 01), but blood pressure decreased at week 8 (P < 0. 01) in the treatment group. (2) Compared with the sham-operation group, 24 h proteinuria, urinary NAG, blood SCr and BUN significantly increased in the model group (all P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, blood and urinary biochemical indices all significantly decreased in the treatment group (all P <0. 01). (3) Results of pathological renal scoring: Glomerular sclerosis index, scoring for tubulointerstitial fibrosis, degree of tubulointerstitial inflammatory infiltration were all obviously higher in the model group than in the sham-operation group (all P <0. 01). All the aforesaid indices were more obviously improved in the treatment group than in the model group (all P <0. 01). (4) Compared with the sham-operation group, activities of MnSOD and GSH-Px were significantly reduced, but MDA contents obviously increased in the renal cortex of the model group (all P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, activities of MnSOD and GSH-Px obviously increased (P <0. 05, P <0. 01), but MDA contents obviously decreased in the renal cortex of the treatment group (P <0. 01). (5) Compared with the sham-operation group, the mitochondrial membrane potential significantly decreased, but ROS levels significantly increased in the model group (all P <0.01). Compared with the model group, mitochondrial transmembrane potential increased in the treatment group, thereby inhibiting the tendency of increased production of ROS (both P < 0. 01). (6) Results of Western blot showed that, compared with the sham-operation group, expression levels of mitochondrial Cyto-C and Prohibitin were significantly reduced in the renal cortex (P <0. 01), but significantly elevated in the cytoplasm of the model group (P <0. 01). Compared with the model group, each index was obviously improved in the treatment group with statistical difference (P <0. 05, P <0. 01).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>CS powder had renal protection, and its mechanism might partially depend on in- hibition of oxidative stress and protection for mitochondria.</p>

Motor dysfunction in stroke of subacute stage treated with acupuncture: multi-central randomized controlled study / 中国针灸

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To verify the clinical efficacy of acupuncture on motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke of subacute stage.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The multi-central randomized controlled trial was adopted. One hundred and twenty-six cases of ischemic stroke of subacute stage were randomized into an acupuncture group (61 cases) and a conventional treatment group (65 cases). The basic treatment of western internal medicine and rehabilitation training were applied to the patients of the two groups. In the acupuncture group, acupuncture was supplemented at the body points located on the extensor of the upper limbs and the flexor of the lower limbs. In combination, scalp acupuncture was applied to NS5, MS6 and MS6 on the affected side. The treatment was given 5 times a week and totally 8 weeks were required. The follow-up observation lasted for 3 months. The scores in Fugl-Meyer scale and NIHSS scale and Barthel index were compared between the two groups before treatment, in 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the 3-month follow-up observation after treatment separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In 4 and 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Fugl-Meyer scale score was improved obviously in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 01). In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Fugl-Meyer scale score in the acupuncture groupwas im proved much apparently as compared with that in the conventional treatment group [68. 0 (43. 0,86. 5) vs 52. 5 (30.3, 77.0), 77.0 (49.5, 89.0) vs 63. 0 (33.0, 84.0), both P<0. 05]. Except that NIHSS scale score was not reduced apparently in 4 weeks of treatment in the conventional treatment group (P>0.05), the results of NIHSS scale at the other time points were all decreased obviously as compared with those before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 01). In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, the results in the acupuncture group were reduced much apparently as compared with those in the conventional treatment group [5. 0 (3.0,8.0) vs 7. 0 (3.0,13.8), 4. 0 (1.5,7.0) vs 6.0 (2.0,11.7) ,both P<0. 05]. In 8 weeks of treatment and the follow-up observation, Barthel index was improved obviously as compared with that before treatment in the patients of the two groups (all P<0. 05). The improvement in the acupuncture group was much more significant as compared with the conventional treatment group [75. 0 (60. 0,87. 5) vs 65. O (36. 3, 87. 5), P<0. 051.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Based on the conventional treatment, Acupuncture achieves the satisfactory clinical efficacy on motor dysfunction in ischemic stroke of subacute stage.</p>

Chemical components of essential oils from Meconopsis oliverana and their antioxidant activity / 中国中药杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the chemical components of essential oils from Meconopsis oliverana and their antioxidant activity.</p><p><b>METHOD</b>The essential oil was extracted by steam distillation, and GC-MS analysis was used to identify its constituents. The OH free radical scavenging activity of the essential oils was evaluated with an enzyme mark instrument by assay of the ability of DPPH free radical scavenging. BHT was used as positive control.</p><p><b>RESULT</b>Forty-seven compounds, account for 91.866% of the essential oils, were identified. The ability of scavenging OH and DPPH radicals of the essential oils is stronger than that of BHT.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The main chemical constituents of the essential oils from M. oliverana are n-hexadecanoic acid (27.653%) and 6,10,14-trimethyl-2-pentadecanone (16.330%). And the essential oils showed strong antioxidant activity.</p>

Inflammation accelerates lipid dysregulation mediated cardiac fibrosis through enhancing myocardial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition / 中华心血管病杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>Dyslipidemia and chronic inflammation are risk factors of cardiac fibrosis. This study was aimed to investigate their possible synergetic effects and underlying mechanisms on progression of cardiac fibrosis in apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE -/-) mice.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Twenty-four ApoE-/- mice were divided into normal chow diet (control), high fat diet (HFD group), and HFD plus subcutaneously injection of 10% casein (inflammation group) for 8 weeks. Lipid profile and serum amyloid A (SAA) were examined by clinical biochemical assays and Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay, respectively. Hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and Masson staining were used to evaluate the myocardial accumulation of lipid and collagen. Collagen I protein expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition related protein expressions were determined by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Serum SAA level was significantly higher in inflammation group [(127.42 ± 26.99) ng/ml] than in control [(15.40 ± 7.62) ng/ml] and HFD [(8.17 ± 0.72) ng/ml] group (all P < 0.01).However serum levels of triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol were significantly higher in HFD group than in inflammation and control groups[TG (7.53 ± 2.05) mmol/L vs. (3.43 ± 0.79) mmol/L; TC (27.80 ± 3.99) mmol/L vs. (14.94 ± 1.92) mmol/L;LDL-C (11.56 ± 2.56) mmol/L vs. (9.46 ± 1.31) mmol/L, all P < 0.05) . Foam cell formation in cardiac vessels, myocardial collagen deposit, protein expressions of collagen I, CD31, and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were all significantly higher in inflammation group than in HFD group (all P < 0.05) suggesting that inflammation contributes to the phenotype endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in heart.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Inflammation exacerbates dyslipidemia mediated cardiac fibrosis in ApoE-/- mice partly through enhancing myocardial endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition.</p>

Observation on effects of aconitine via acupoint injection in rabbits / 中国结合医学杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the ability of the pericardium meridian (PM) to mitigate or enhance the cardiotoxic effects of aconitine injected at specific acupoint and non-acupoint sites in rabbits.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study consisted of 3 experiments that were designed to test the effects of injection of 30 μg/kg of aconitine at acupoints on the PM (Test 1), at non-acupoint sites on the PM (Test 2), and at acupoints on other meridians and non-meridian sites (Test 3). In Test 1, 24 rabbits were randomly assigned to receive injections at Quze (PC3), Tianquan (PC2), or intramuscularly. In Test 2, 24 rabbits were randomly assigned to receive injections of aconitine at non-acupoint I, non-acupoint II, or intramuscularly. In Test 3, 48 rabbits were randomly assigned to receive injections at Neiguan (PC6), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Yangjiao (GB35), a non-meridian and non-acupoint site (NMNA), intravenously, and intramuscularly. Electrocardiographs of the rabbits were performed before, during and after injection to determine the incidence of arrhythmia, latency of ventricular rhythm, and recovery rate after aconitine injection. The recovery time index and extent of arrhythmia scores were calculated.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>In all groups the incidence of arrhythmia was 100%, and the latency of ventricular rhythm was less than 30 min. In Tests 1 and 2, the recovery rates of the Quze and non-acupoint II groups were significantly higher than those of the muscular group (P < 0.05). In Test 3, the recovery time index and extent of arrhythmia scores of the Neiguan group were low. There were no significant differences between the other acupoint groups, or the NMNA group, when compared with the group receiving aconitine intramuscularly.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Acupoints or non-acupoints along the PM could reduce the severity of the arrhythmia induced by aconitine in healthy rabbits. Meridians play an important role in protecting body functions.</p>

Study of cochlear hydrops analysis masking procedure in patients with Meniere's disease and otologically normal adults / 中华医学杂志(英文版)

<p><b>BACKGROUND</b>The cochlear hydrops analysis masking procedure (CHAMP) is a new diagnostic technique for Meniere's disease (MD). But its value has not been well proven. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CHAMP for MD.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>CHAMP test was taken in three populations using the Auditory Evoked Potential system delivered by Bio-logic Systems Corporation: (1) otologically normal subjects; (2) patients clinically diagnosed with definite MD; (3) patients clinically diagnosed with probable and possible MD.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>According to the comparison between the normal and definite MD group, if the abnormal criterion of CHAMP was defined as latency delay less than 0.3 ms, then the corresponding sensitivity was only 52%. However, if the abnormal criterion was defined as latency delay between 0.6 and 3.8 ms, then a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 100% can be achieved. The complex amplitude ratio showed a significant overlap between normal and definite MD group. If the abnormal criterion was defined as a complex amplitude ratio less than 0.95, the corresponding specificity was only 50%. However, if the abnormal criterion was defined as less than 0.80, the corresponding sensitivity was 60%, and the specificity was 97%. If the abnormal criterion of CHAMP was defined as latency delay less than 0.6 ms or the complex amplitude ratio less than 0.80, CHAMP result can be obtained in all subjects with good sensitivity and specificity.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>CHAMP can differentiate patients with Meniere's disease from otologically normal subjects with high sensitivity and specificity. The recommended criterion of abnormal CHAMP was a latency delay less than 0.6 ms or a complex amplitude ratio less than 0.80.</p>

Application of unilateral olfactory testing and clinical analysis of unilateral hyposmia / 中华耳鼻咽喉头颈外科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate whether patients presenting with self-reported olfactory disorders demonstrates significant side difference in odour recognition by measuring separately for each nostril.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>One hundred and four patients with chief complaint of hyposmia were evaluated by medical history, physical examination, T&T olfactory testing and medical imaging. Smell was tested using T&T olfactometry in each nostril separately.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Based on the history and results from the clinical examination, unilateral sinonasal diseases and abnormal nasal structure were excluded. In almost one eighth of all presenting patients (13.46%), a side difference was detected. Especially, six of the patients were identified with lateralized hyposmia.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>Olfactory testing could be performed in each nostril separately. The above findings suggested that testing each nostril separately was necessary so as not to miss unilateral hyposmia as a special clinical manifestation of olfactory disorder.</p>

Role of MSH2 and RUNX3 gene methylation in DNA prepared from nasopharyngeal swabs in early diagnosis and outcome prediction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma / 解放军医学杂志

Objective To explore the role of methylation of Human MutS homolog 2 (MSH2) and Human runt-related transcription factor 3 genes (RUNX3) in DNA prepared from nasopharyngeal swabs in early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods The methylation-specific PCR was used to detect hypermethylation of MSH2 and RUNX3 genes in DNA prepared from nasopharyngeal swabs from 54 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, 18 chronic nasopharyngitis patients and 20 healthy volunteers. The specificity and sensitivity in early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma by detecting MSH2 and/or RUNX3 gene methylation were evaluated. The relationship between methylation of MSH2 or RUNX3 gene and the biological behavior of nasopharyngeal carcinoma was analyzed. Results Hypermethylation of MSH2 and RUNX3 gene was respectively detected in 38 out of 54 (70.37%) and in 28 out of 54 (51.85%) nasopharyngeal swabs obtained from nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, while there was no methylation in nasopharyngeal swabs from 18 chronic nasopharyngitis patients and 20 healthy volunteers. The differences were statistically significant (P0.05). Conclusions Parallel combined testing of MSH2 and RUNX3 gene methylation in DNA prepared from nasopharyngeal swabs determined by methylation-specific PCR could increase the specificity and sensitivity in early diagnosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and is of important clinical significance. However it may not serve as an index in evaluating the clinical prognosis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma at present.